Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi All,

I shoot quite a few Sports Team Photos outdoors with 3 Einsteins and was wondering which Modifier/Reflector would be best. I've read the "R G" Article on that topic that recommends the 64" Soft Silver PLMs. Since that article was written, the 64" Extreme Silver is now available and I wondered if that would be a better choice over the Soft Silver. Also, what about wind with umbrellas of that size outdoors?

Thanks for any advice!

The PLM's used by Rob Galbraith are 64" Silver, which is now called Extreme Silver. The Soft Silver was introduced after the article was written.

Soft silver will have a wider spread, but a lower output. It will really depend on the size of the teams. Large teams like a full scale football team may need the extra output of the extreme silver.


As for wind, yes, they are giant sails. Weigh the stands, use assistants if possible.

Hi,

Oh, I didn't know his article was based on the extreme silver. The largest team so far was about 60 people including the full coaching staff. For this size group would Extreme or Silver be best from about 15-20' away?

Thanks

I would say the extreme. I say this because of the higher output, which will be needed if you move the lights back to 1) widen the spread, and 2) even out the light falloff between the front and back of deep groups.

With three lights, I think you will have plenty of coverage.

Okay, that makes perfect sense. I'll go with 3 64" Extremes.

Thanks for the advice